A wealthy businessman not well known in — or out — of political circles is considering challenging Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan in next year's Republican primary election.

For weeks, political insiders have buzzed about who might run against Reagan for the GOP nomination after her prior opponent, state Sen. Steve Montenegro, R-Litchfield Park, dropped out to run for Congress.

Some have speculated that a politically unknown candidate with deep pockets could be eyeing the race.

That candidate appears to be Steve Gaynor, a Paradise Valley resident who owns an investment firm and printing business. On Thursday, his political strategist, Brian Seitchik, confirmed that Gaynor is considering a run.

"He is interested in the secretary of state race because he believes Secretary Reagan has repeatedly failed the citizens of Arizona with one election mishap after another," Seitchik said.

Reagan's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Gaynor has never held public office, but he's been a prolific contributor to Republicans — giving more than $37,000 to GOP candidates for Congress and state office since 2004.

Two other high-profile Republicans also are considering a run: Steve Pierce, the former state Senate president; and Lori Klein Corbin, a Republican Party national committeewoman and former state senator.

Pierce said he's been encouraged to challenge Reagan by people concerned about mistakes in Reagan's office, adding, "Your vote is sacred."

As the Republicans start to slug it out, two Democrats are playing nice, at least so far, in their party's primary for the post: Senate Minority Leader Katie Hobbs, D-Phoenix; and attorney Mark Robert Gordon.

Reach the reporter at dustin.gardiner@arizonarepublic.com or follow him on Twitter: @dustingardiner.